Public Engagement
Faroe Islands Expedition
In March 2015 I attempted to re-create the experiment that gave the first evidence for Einstein's theory of general relativity, funded by Vitae and RCUK. The original experiment was conducted in 1919 by Arthur Eddington. See this short article by Simon Singh for more information: 1919 eclipse and General Relativity. To repeat it, I had to travel to the Faroe Islands to observe a fleeting astronomic event - a total solar eclipse. Would modern technology make this experiment easier? Would the Faoroese weather allow the experiment to be carried out at all? Watch this short documentary to find out the answers and learn about this fascinating experiment. Three Minute Thesis
The Three Minute Thesis (3MT) competition is an event in which competitors are challenged to communicate their entire thesis in just three minutes to a lay audience. This year I won both the judge’s choice and people’s choice categories in the Glasgow final, to claim a prize of a £1000 travel grant. From there I was one of 6 (of 25) people selected at the UK semifinal to attend the UK final, where I won the judges choice and the associated £3000 RCUK grant. Vitae and RCUK have accepted my submission to use my 3MT winnings to film a documentary in the Faroe Islands, where I will be repeating the experimental verification of general relativity during the solar eclipse on the 20th March 2015. I will be producing teaching material for the higher and advanced higher syllabuses. Famelab
Famelab follows a similar format to the Three Minute Thesis competition. Contestants have three minutes in which to talk about any topic in science and are then judged on their content, clarity and charisma. This year I progressed through the south of Scotland heat, won the Scottish final and then represented Scotland at the UK final at the Bloomsbury theatre in London. I recently got the opportunity to see what it is like to sit on the judging panel at the Scottish final of fame lab 2015. |
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Science Slam
The Science Slam is an event in which researchers at the University talk about their work to a pub audience, the aim is to be as entertaining as possible during a ten minute slot. The audience then decide on their favourite performer. This May I was selected as the winner of the Glasgow Science Slam. |
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